Marvel-ous Stan Lee always a monster at Comic-Con

Comic book legend Stan Lee won’t just be visiting the San Diego Convention Center this week. Those without admission to Comic-Con can find him elsewhere during the geeky festivities, along with — here’s the clincher — a 10,000 pound monster truck.

The “X-Men” and “Spider-Man” creator is appearing at the free preview event for Marvel Monstergeddon: Super Hero Smash Up, a Marvel-themed monster truck show to be held at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium on July 14, 2012. Like the Con itself, the preview — at Culy Warehouse on 335 6th Avenue — will run from Wednesday July 21 to Sunday July 24.

Attendees can take a tour through a scaled-down version of what Marvel fans will experience at the show next year, which is said to feature “a Marvel Universe with buildings, lights, and pyrotechnics straight from the popular comic books and movies creating the scene for the monumental 10,000 pound characters.”

One such character is set to be revealed by Lee at the preview on Thursday. While concept art is available on the event’s Facebook page, including sketches of trucks modeled after Thor, Daredevil and Magneto, the specific truck to be revealed at the preview is still under wraps (we’re crossing our fingers for a wall-climbing, Spidey truck, though we’re placing our bets on a more timely character).

Also attending will be Marvel Comics illustrator John Romita, Jr., who will be appearing from 2-4:30 p.m. Thursday, 9-11:30 a.m. Friday and 5-7 p.m. Saturday. Lee is scheduled to appear from 12-1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Both comic book vets will be available for fan meet and greets.

For those impressed by the spectacle’s preview, tickets for next year’s one-time event are selling for half price ($50 instead of $100) until July 24 — and coming with the ultimate swag, a copy of variant cover “Captain America #1” personally autographed by Stan Lee himself.

Check out Stan Lee talking about the event -- and revealing the special online code to get that special "Captain America #1" edition here.